The future of African–European relations: from intent to practice

How can the two regions build on their existing partnership to translate shared ambitions into inclusive, actionable and sustainable cooperation?

Date: 2026-10-12

Time: 09:30 to 16:00

Venue: ISS, Brooklyn Court, Block C, 361 Veale Street, Pretoria, South Africa and online via Zoom

African–European relations are being reshaped by a more fragmented and competitive global order. Geopolitical rivalry, shifting dependencies, migration politics, energy transitions, rising demand for critical minerals and changing financial flows are altering how the two regions engage.

How can they build on their existing partnership to translate shared ambitions into inclusive, actionable and sustainable cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for both sides?

This conference brings together researchers, policymakers, diplomats, development partners, industry representatives and experts from Africa and Europe to examine where interests align, where tensions remain and what practical action is needed. Discussions will focus on critical minerals and energy, migration and mobility, and the trade-offs needed for effective, sustainable delivery.

This event is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and Megatrends Afrika consortium comprising the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

The full agenda is available here.

Opening conversation – The future of South–North cooperation: jobs, security and opportunities

Panel 1 – Moving from extraction to partnership: how can Africa and Europe develop a fair critical minerals and energy future?

Panel 2 – Migration and the politics of partnership: how to balance border security with legal mobility

Panel 3 – Towards a pragmatic partnership: strategic interests, trade-offs and delivery